Gavin Hughes b. Adelaide 1937 d. Sydney 2008

Architect

Gavin studied architecture in his home State, South Australia, shifted to Melbourne soon after finishing and then after a few years to Sydney where he settled. Up to this point he worked for various architectural firms, only taking private work for friends and family. In Sydney though the architectural scene was fairly boom and bust and after working for two firms, Schmaeling, Boys & Vickery then Brewster Murray P/L and being retrenched from both, he set up his own practice. Working by yourself, with no interaction with collegues was lonely and there were no major challenges such as the massive development of a new brewery for Tooheys at Lidcombe which he had worked on at Brewster Murray and so after four years started with Dino Burrattini & Assoc. Again in the Sydney architectural market this was short lived and Gavin resumed his private practice. This time round it was familiar territory, as well as being very busy from word of mouth referrals by satisfied clients.Gavin also took up the challenge of honourary architect for the Lady Denman Museum at Huskisson on the South Coast. Apart from some fees for a major re-development under a Federal Grant he did well over $250,000 in value, of architectural work on a volunteer basis.In terms of art, Gavin enjoyed designing and making furniture and made our two main dining tables, all occasional and coffee tables, book cases, and kitchen benches and cupboards. He did 'toy' around with ceramics both early on in Melbourne when he & Margaret Dredge were friends with Gerard Van Puttin and later when I had a studio in Ultimo. but only two pieces have survived, a chunky ash tray from the 1960's and a small vessel which is very chunky and roughly glazed with ash with a "Japanese tea house" feel from the late 1970's. He only started painting very late in life , destroying almost everything he made, except for the last three works completed. Max Dingle July 2013